It is interesting to see how this contribution of the Congregation is much appreciated by dioceses, movements, associations and opens up dialogue and discussion on these issues.
In his apostolic exhortation Christus Vivit, Pope Francis stated that young people today ‘Young people are aware that the body and sexuality have an essential importance for their lives and for their process of growth in identity. Yet in a world that constantly exalts sexuality, maintaining a healthy relationship with one’s body and a serene affective life is not easy. ’ (no. 81).
The Christian community, therefore, cannot remain defenceless; on the contrary, it must commit itself to supporting young people in the discovery of themselves and their affectivity, and this sensitivity is shared and unerstood in the Diocese of Bari where there is a diocesan coordination for an Inclusive Ministry that collaborates with the diocesan Youth and Family Ministry service, a collaboration made necessary by the awareness of integrating different aspects, because, as the Pope says, ‘Young people also experience setbacks, disappointments and profoundly painful memories. [...] Jesus makes his presence felt amid these crosses borne by young people; he offers them his friendship, his consolation and his healing companionship. The Church wants to be his instrument on this path to interior healing and peace of heart.' (no. 83).
The event included several talks which were expressions of the multidisciplinary approach adopted in the diocese. On Friday 8 November, the course of study included an initial opening session led by Fr Gian Luca Carrega, priest of the Turin Diocese, who illustrated through a number of biblical models the high, yet accessible, dimension of the love proposed by God to human beings.
Afterwards, on Saturday the 9th, a discussion took place led by Dr Sinagoga and Fr Roberto Massaro, moral theologian and priest of the Diocese of Conversano-Monopoli. Together they explored the topic of education to love of young people through the presentation of ethical and pedagogical perspectives.
The two-day conference, which brought together a large audience interested in the topic, was a significant step in the journey undertaken by the Diocese of Bari and a reference model for Christian communities, so that they may increasingly become places where young people feel at home, welcomed, integrated and encouraged to discover the masterpiece that God has prepared for each and every one of them.
